Definition: A Health Insurance Exchange is an organization that makes plans for people to buy health care. They do this by helping you find out which type of plan is right for you, so you can make a choice based on your needs. For example, if you have a family member or friend who has a serious illness, the health insurance exchange might help them get coverage through a government program like Medicaid. If they don't qualify for Medicaid, the exchange could help them find out which other kinds of plans are available and how to apply for one that best fits their needs. The goal is to make it easier for people to buy insurance so they can take better care of themselves and others in their families.